A masters student from north Belfast has been co-opted by the DUP to serve as the city's newest councillor.

Dale Pankhurst (23) who comes from Ballysillan, and who will be representing the Oldpark area of Belfast, said that he is "absolutely delighted".

"I am looking forward to representing and fighting for the community I was born in and have lived in all my life," he said.

Mr Pankhurst worked for DUP MP Nigel Dodds on a part-time basis, alongside his studies at Queen's University.

However, he said that he has now handed in his notice in order to allow more time for his work as a councillor.

Mr Pankhurst is currently a full-time student studying for a Masters in Politics, and hopes to start a PhD in September.

The Belfast Boys Model alumnus told the Belfast Telegraph that although he only officially became a councillor yesterday, he has already been working on a number of cases for constituents and even had some "successful outcomes".